British heritage style is experiencing a resurgent moment in the spotlight, thanks to cultural touchstones like The Traitors, The Gentlemen, and the renaissance of iconic fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent, and Celine. Amid this revival, the tweed blazer has emerged as a cornerstone of the modern capsule wardrobe. It seamlessly bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary elegance.
Tweed Blazers – From Rural to Trendy
Once a quintessential staple of rural life, often paired with chunky funnel-neck jumpers, the tweed blazer has undergone a sophisticated transformation. Today, it is reimagined to complement urban ensembles, effortlessly paired with silk scarf blouses or tailored trousers. Its muted flecks—a hallmark of its craftsmanship—lend it a versatile, non-print aesthetic that transcends seasonal trends. Yet, as with all enduring classics, the devil is in the details. The right cut, fabric weight, and tailoring can elevate the blazer from frumpy to flattering. This makes it a timeless investment piece.
I consulted Pip Durell, the visionary founder of With Nothing Underneath, to navigate the nuances of selecting a high-quality tweed blazer that will remain as relevant in five years as it is today. Launched five years ago, Durell’s brand initially focused on crafting the perfect masculine-inspired shirts for women of all body types. Having mastered that mission, she expanded into pleated trousers last year and is now turning her expertise to blazers.
Durell emphasizes that the key to a standout tweed blazer lies in its construction. “Look for a balanced blend of wool and silk for durability and a subtle sheen,” she advises. “The weave should be tight, and the lining—preferably in a breathable fabric like cupro or Bemberg—should allow for ease of movement.” Additionally, she notes that the shoulder structure is critical: “A softly tailored shoulder, rather than an overly padded one, ensures a modern silhouette that flatters without overwhelming.”
When it comes to styling, Durell champions versatility. “A tweed blazer is a chameleon,” she explains. “Pair it with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers for a boardroom-ready look, or dress it down with a turtleneck and jeans for effortless off-duty elegance.” She also highlights the importance of proportion, suggesting that cropped styles work particularly well for petite frames, while longer cuts offer a more dramatic, fashion-forward statement.
In an era where fast fashion dominates, the tweed blazer stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of slow, considered style. Its rich texture, heritage roots, and adaptability make it a wardrobe essential that transcends fleeting trends. As Durell succinctly puts it, “Investing in a well-made tweed blazer is not just about owning a piece of clothing—it’s about embracing a legacy of craftsmanship and timeless elegance.”
The tweed blazer is more than a garment; it’s a sartorial statement that celebrates the intersection of tradition and modernity. With expert insights from industry leaders like Pip Durell, it’s clear that this British classic is not just a trend but a perennial style essential.
The With Nothing Underneath (WNU) tweed blazer is a masterclass in elegance from pure wool and lined with cupro. It is a luxurious, plant-derived fabric that combines sustainability with a silky glide. “We experimented with cotton linings, but they lacked the necessary glide factor,” explains Pip Durell, the brand’s founder and self-proclaimed details nerd. “Cupro, being plant-derived rather than plastic, offers both luxury and eco-consciousness.”
Here, Durell shares her five essential pointers for selecting the perfect tweed blazer—for heritage charm with contemporary sophistication.
1. Fit: The Modern Silhouette
“The modern tweed blazer should be boyish, cut loose but not ludicrously oversized,” Durell advises. “It should indent at the waist ever so slightly to avoid boxiness, but not in an exaggerated way.” She emphasizes the importance of a strong shoulder line with minimal padding, which keeps the silhouette neat and slim while maintaining a slightly masculine edge. “The shoulders should be just a fraction wider than yours—enough to create structure without veering into the exaggerated, catwalk-inspired overhang that’s impractical for real life.”
2. Fabric: The Hallmark of Quality
“One hundred per cent wool is the gold standard,” Durell asserts. “It’s warm, durable, and ages beautifully.” For those on a budget, she recommends exploring pre-loved sites like Vestiaire Collective and eBay. This is where high-quality tweed jackets are often available at a fraction of their original price. “The brisk trade in second-hand tweed is proof of its timeless appeal and longevity,” she notes.
3. Sleeve and Torso Length: Proportion is Key
Sleeve length is a matter of personal preference, but Durell observes that street-style favors sleeves that end above the knuckles. “If that feels too long for you, consider having them tailored,” she suggests. “However, if the cuffs feature buttons—a classy detail—alterations can be costly.” For a quick fix, she recommends using scrunchies: “Pop one over each sleeve and pull them up to your desired length, hiding the scrunchies in the folds.” As for the jacket length, Durell advises choosing a style that ends at one of your slimmest points, ensuring a flattering silhouette.
4. Pockets: Function Meets Form
“Working pockets are non-negotiable,” Durell declares. “Faux pockets are a deal-breaker.” She prefers blazers with three exterior pockets, which lend a polished finish and offer practical storage for essentials. “Interior pockets, on the other hand, can create unsightly bulges and disrupt the jacket’s clean lines,” she adds.
5. Belt and Collar: Versatility at Its Best
For maximum versatility, Durell suggests experimenting with belting and collar adjustments before purchasing. “A belt can transform a workhorse blazer into a sleek evening piece,” she explains. “Pair it with black crepe or velvet trousers for a stunning, after-dark look.” Turning up the collar, she notes, adds an extra layer of sophistication, making the blazer suitable for many occasions.
Styling Inspiration from the Fashion Set
Durell’s insights are echoed by style icons like Mathilde Pinault, who recently attended the Saint Laurent Menswear Fall-Winter 2025/2026 show in a loose-fitting tweed blazer, and Queen Letizia of Spain, who showcased the timeless appeal of the piece at the FITUR Tourism Fair 2025. Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson demonstrated the transformative power of belting a blazer at the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 show, proving its versatility as both a daytime staple and an evening statement.
The tweed blazer remains a beacon of enduring style and craftsmanship in a world where fast fashion often prioritizes speed. With Pip Durell’s expert guidance, it’s clear that this heritage piece is not just a wardrobe essential but a celebration of thoughtful design, sustainability, and timeless elegance. The perfect tweed blazer is a sartorial investment that will stand the test of time.